Evaluation of the level of park space service based on the residential area demand

The severe mismatch between the park space supply and resident demand significantly constrains the park space service level, consequently impacting resident well-being. Accordingly, the exploration of park space accessibility among residents in various living environments and the enhancement of park space service level have become focal points of current research. This study takes Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, as a case study, evaluating the park space service levels and resident demands, while analyzing the spatial distribution and balance between park space demands and service levels among different residential areas. The results show that (1) Suburban and far suburban residential areas characterised by low housing prices, high population density, limited per capita green space, lower plot ratio, and distant distance from the city centre exhibit higher demand for diverse park space, resulting in an overall lower level of park space service level. However, the supply-demand balance is relatively satisfactory. (2) Residential areas with higher housing prices, higher population density, greater per capita green space, and closer distances to the city center demonstrate significant demand for micro-sized parks, with their park space service levels generally at a higher level. But these residential areas primarily experience a low-level equilibrium and lagging supply of park space. (3) Central city residential areas with high housing prices, higher plot ratio, lower population density, and higher per capita green space mainly consist of high-end villa districts and older neighborhoods. The balance of park space supply-demand varies significantly, with a focus on high-level equilibrium and supply lag, particularly evident in traditional older residential areas with inadequate park space supply. (4) The overall coordination of park space service level is poor, with significant imbalance of spatial matching, dominated by the over-development type, and most of the spatial matching is of low-level equilibrium and lagging supply type. Enhancement strategies are proposed for the unbalanced service level of park space in Hangzhou, to provide theoretical and technical support for the planning of urban park space to meet the needs of residents.